Day 1: Addis Ababa

Welcome to Addis Ababa!

Upon arrival you will be greeted by our friendly guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city and Africa’s diplomatic capital. 

Meaning “New Flower”, Addis Ababa was founded by Emperor Menelik II in 1887, who selected the site because of its location within the Entoto Hills, which has long been the centre of Shoan politics. Addis lies in the central highlands, rising to an altitude of 3,000m in parts, making it the third highest capital in the world.  It is a pleasant and vibrant city, with wide avenues of jacaranda trees, interesting museums and one of the largest open-air markets in Africa. The capital is rich in impressive monuments of historic architecture, which are interspersed amidst stretches of modest, sun-bleached shacks.

Once you have refreshed your guide will collect you for an exploration of the City. No visit to Addis Ababa is complete without a trip to the National Museum of Ethiopia, which ranks among the most important museums in sub-Saharan Africa, and is famous for its paleontological and pre-historic exhibitions. Here you will get to view the famous 3.5 million-year-old bones of Lucy. Established in 1944, the National Museum of Ethiopia was born when archeological research was started in collaboration with a team of French scientists, and it became evident how important it was to organize, preserve and exhibit the collections. Exhibits of the National Museum are comprise the following four main sections:

  • Paleontology and pre-history: Lucy and other fossils including stone tools.
  • Historical and Archaeological: Findings that depict the early history from the pre-Axumite times to the 16th century AD.
  • Ethnography: Traditional and ceremonial costumes, jewelry etc. reflecting the diversified cultures of the various ethnic groups.
  • Modern Art: Selected paintings and sculptures from different Ethiopian artists, including the celebanted Maître Artist Laureate Afework Tekle.

Another interesting excursion will be to the Ethnographic Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies. Situated in the old palace, Genente Leul, of the late Emperor Heile Selassie, the museum featuress the bedroom and bathroom of the late emperor, an art gallery and an imppressive selection of artifacts depitting the country’s culture, historic and natural heritage. The layout follows the story of life from birth to death, and beyond, and how the different stages of life are viewed and experienced by different ethnic groups in Ethiopia.

You will break for lunch at Lucy’s Restaurant, which is famous for its food and boho-chic ambience.

Time permitting you may drive by the famous open-air market in Africa, Mercato, covering several square miles and employing an estimated 13,000 people in 7,100 business entities.

Accommodation: Sheraton Addis Hotel

Day 2: Debark

After an early breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Gondar (1 hour), from where you will take a scenic drive to the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park (approx 2 hrs).

The Simien Mountain National Park is an area of highlands in the northern part of Ethiopia consisting of some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world! It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1978. With a total area of 190km², the Simien Mountains boast 57 tree species, a wealth of herbaceous plants, 22 large and 13 small mammals and about 180 recorded bird species. Walia ibex, Ethiopian wolf, Menelik's Bushbuck and the Gelada baboon are among the list of endemic species.

Check into the lodge, then tuck into a delicious lunch. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge

Day 3: Debark

This morning you will drive to Sankaber (20km drive). You will leave the vehicle at Sankaber and hike 1 ½ to hrs to the Jinbar Falls. Sankaber is an excellent spot for viewing the Gelada baboons. After an exhilirating morning you will drive back to the lodge for lunch.

This afternoon you can visit the village and school, which are situated about 20 minutes‘ walk from the lodge. You can also see how traditional injera is prepared.

Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge

Day 4: Debark

After breakfast you will set out on an exhilerating mountain excursion to Chennek. Your drive will take approx. 3 hours. You will have the opportunity to explore on foot and enjoy the phenomenal vistas. You will also get to see the Walia Ibex before settling down for a delicious picnic lunch.

Referred to as ‘The Roof of Africa’, the Simien Mountains are located in the north of Ethiopia, forming a landscape so vast and spectacular that it is considered to rival the Grand Canyon in Colorado. The highest peak, Ras Dashen, towers a staggering 4,620m above sea level. The Simien Mountains National Park, which was established in 1969, is protected by the National Areas Protected Areas legislation. It is also listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’. Comprising high plateaus and deep, rugged gorges, carved by erosion over millions of years, the terrain rises to form towering cliffs that plummet – some as much as 1,500m, into vast valleys as one range of mountains gives rise to another. The area is home to endemic species of flora, fauna and avifauna that have captivated the interest of nature and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. According to UNESCO: “The park is of global significance for biodiversity conservation because it is home to globally threated species, including the iconic Walia ibex - a wild mountain goat found nowhere else on earth, the Gelada baboon and the Ethiopian wolf”.

Accommodation: Limalimo Lodge

Day 5: Gondar

After breakfast, you will be drive back down (approx. 2 hrs) to Ethiopia’s very own Camelot – the magical town of Gondar!

You will check into your hotel before embarking on an interesting exploration of Gondar, the imperial city of Fasilides. The city was the first capital of the Ethiopian empire, which began in 1632, with the reign of Fasilides; and the kings of Ethiopia based their power there for over two centuries. In Gondar, there are a dozen castles built by various emperors over the course of 236 years. Many picturesque ruins lie in the royal enclosure, like fairy-tale castles dating back to the 17th century. The castles reflect the glory of Gondarine kings and is characterised by its distinctive architectural style. The other place of interest is the Fasilides pool, in which pilgrims still take a plunge during the Timket (Epiphany) celebrations. Afterwards, you will visit Debre Birhan Trinity Church, (rewarding for the magnificent murals adorning the ceiling and walls), and Kuskuam Church, situated on a hillscape, just outside the town.

During this day of remarkable sights, you will pause for breath and for lunch at the Four Sisters Restaurant, which offers the finest cuisine in Gondar.

Accommodation: Gondar Hills Resort          

Day 6: Oromia

Today, after an early breakfast, you will drive to Bahir Dar, which means “by the side of the sea“ in the Amharic language. Bahir Dar is an attractive and interesting town; Lake Tana creates a tranquil backdrop for palm and jacaranda-fringed avenues featuring a myriad of restaurants, shops and some fascinating architecture. Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake is 68kms wide and 73 km long, and is  dotted with more than 30 islands, on many of which are found churches and monasteries.

After you have checked into your Lodge you will be driven to the Blue Nile Falls, known locally as ‘Tissiat’, which means “The Smoking Water.”  The Falls are 328 feet wide and the water plunges some 150 feet, giving rise to picturesque steam clouds and rainbows.

This afternoon you can visit the market, where you can find the typical hand-woven capes and scarves made of quality, local cotton. Also, you can visit Weyto village, 2km west of town, known for its production of Tankwa boats. Lastly, you will stop off at the Palace of the Emperor Haile Selassie at Bizeit, which offers great views of the town and the lake, including where the Blue Nile flows from the Lake.

Relax on the deck overlooking the tranquil lake, before tucking into a superb dinner! Kuriftu Resort has a lovely spa facility, offering a range of complimentary pampering treatments, should you wish to book one of these.  The spa is open in the evenings.

Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort, Bahir Dar  

Day 7: Oromia

Today you will ejoy a relaxing boat trip on the lake. Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, is 68km wide and 73 km long. Lake Tana is dotted with more than 30 islands, many housing churches and monasteries. Your boat trip will take you to some islands housing the Zeghe Peninsula to visit 2 of the lake’s renowned island monasteries, known for their 14th century round, grass roofed churches and magnificent wall murals, namely: Ura Kidane Mihret and Azua Mariam. Both offer vibrant paintings depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Bible. The monastery of Ura seems to hide within the mangrove forest of the Zege peninsula. Its architectural style is a typical example of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, having a mud-plastered round wall with conical thatched roof. Ura is known especially for its fine frescoes, manuscripts and ecclesiastical exhibits: crowns from various emperors dated from the 14th century, processional crosses of silver & gold, silver drums and royal vestments. This morning, after breakfast, you will enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the lake. You will head out to the Zege Peninsula, which is extremely rich in biodiversity. Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, is 68 km wide and 73 km in length.  The lake is dotted with more than 30 islands, many known for their churches and monasteries.

Lake Tana supplies more than half the country’s fresh water. It is the source of the Blue Nile River and one of the world’s longest waterways. During your excurion you will visit two of the renowned Island Monasteries of the Lake; namely, Ura Kidane Mihret and Azua Mariam. Both have wonderful wall-paintings which depict scenes from the Old and the New Testaments of the Holy Bible.

The lake’s wetlands provide an ideal habitat for a spectacular host of enedemic bird life. The area is also a key location for birds migrating between Europe, Asia and Africa. More than 300 species have been recorded in and around the lake. Vast flocks of Great White Pelicans are a magnificent sight to behold, and you can also look out for endangered species such as the Black-crowned Crane and Wattled Crane, which frequent the landscapes and wetlands around the lake. Standing over a meter tall, these birds are an impressive sight! Other rare gems that may be spotted here are the elusive Yellow-fronted Parrot and brightly colored Half-collared Kingfisher.

The area is also rich in fauna. Hippopotamuses can often be seen where the Blue Nile flows out of Lake Tana. Denser forested areas are home to Black and White Colobus Monkeys (and some extravagantly colored butterflies and dragonflies, when it comes ot insects). Crested Porcupines, Duiker, Genets and Nile Monitors (up to a meter long) are also frequently spotted in this area.

The Zege Peninsula, located at the southern end of the lake, has a pristine indigenous forest. Wild Arabica coffee plants flourish here, and along the shores of the lake you will see papyrus, from which the traditional Tankwa boats are fashioned.  The wetlands around Lake Tana are also home to more than 67 medicinal plant species.

Accommodation: Kuriftu Resort

Day 8: Lalibela

After breakfast you will be driven to the airport for your flight (30 min) to Lalibela.

Lalibela is rightly acknowledged as being one of the Wonders of the World.  At the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th centuries King Lalibella of the Zaghwe dynasty built a series of rock hewn churches in this spot, calling it New Jerusalem. 11 churches in the town are named after the King.

After checking in to your hotel, you’ll begin your tour of the first group of six churches in town, and then continue to explore the others later in the afternoon. You will visit the highlights in each group.

The first group of churches lie in rock cradles, one behind the other: Bet Golgotha, Bet Mikael, Bet Mariam, Bet Meskel, Bet Danaghel and Bet Medhane Alem. Bet Medhane Alem, the largest, is built like a Greek temple. In a corner are three empty graves symbolically dug for biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The group of four, south of the Jordan River, comprise Bet Emanuel, Bet Mercuiros, Bet Abba Libanos and Bet Gabriel-Rufa'el Bet Emanuel's elaborate exterior is much praised by art historians.

During the day you’ll have lunch at Ben Abeba restaurant, which offers traditional Ethiopian & western food, in comfortable surroundings, with a spectacular view.

Accommodation: Mezena Lodge

Day 9: Lalibela

In the morning you visit the second group of the rock churches. The south-east cluster of churches is more irregular in design than the north-western cluster. Several of the individual churches in this cluster are thought to have been secular in origin, and some predate the reign of King Lalibela by five centuries. The churches in the south-east cluster include Bet Gebriel-Rafael, Bet Abba Libanos, Bet Lehem, Bet Emanuel, and Bet Mercurios. According to legend, Bet Abba Libanos was built overnight by Lalibela's wife, Meskel Kebre, who was assisted by a group of angels. Then visit Bet Giyorgis, probably the most elegant and majestic of all the Lalibela churches, lies somewhat isolated in the southwest part of the village on a sloping rock terrace. It can only be reached through a tunnel. 

After lunch, you visit the monastery of Nakuto Le’ab, located six kilometers outside Lalibela and accessible by car. It is a simple, yet fascinating example of Lalibela’s eastern group of rock hewn churches. Late afternoon visit the open market of Lalibela, afterwards you experience Ethiopian hospitality, at a traditional coffee ceremony.

Accommodation: Mezena Lodge

Day 10: Jinka

After breakfast, you will be transfered to the airport for your charter flight to  Jinka.

After taking a rest at Jinka you will visit the fascinating, recently opened South Omo Research Centre and museum, which is perched on a hill overlooking the town centre and offers an attractive view. The anthropological museum provides a useful overview of the various cultures of South Omo.

Accommodation: Eco Omo Lodge

Day 11: Turmi

Today after breakfast you will drive to Mursi villages, whic are located about 70kms away. The Mursi tribe has become a cultural symbol of the Lower Omo Valley. They are the most renowned of the Omotic - speakers, famed for their practice of inserting large clay plates behind the lower lips of their women and for their colourful dresses.

Threafter you will drive to Turmi via Dimeka and Key Afer. Turmi is the home of the Hamer, who are famed for their elaborate body decorations, moonlight dances (Evangedi Dance) and bull-jumping. Bull jumping marks the rite of passage from childhood to adulthood. (Do note that bull-jumping is not done every day, and so we cannot guarantee that you will get to see this ceremony.)

Accommodation: Paradise Lodge Turmi

Day 12: Turmi

After having breakfast you will drive to the village of Kolcho and visit the Karo tribes. Karo are considered masters of body painting, in which they engage when preparing for a dance, feast or celebration.

Then you will drive back to Turmi to visit one of the smaller villages that lies outside the Hamer towns of Turmi. Incredibly neat and constructed entirely from mud, wood and thatch, one of the most striking aspects of these small villages – which typically consist of a few extended families across perhaps 10-15 huts – is the total absence of non–organic and western artefacts. 

If today is Monday visit the most vibrant Market of the Hamer people at Turmi.

Accommodation: Paradise Lodge Turmi

Day 13: Konso

Following breakfast, you will continue your on to Konso. Once you have checked in at the lodge and freshened up, you will visit the Konso village.

The Konso Cultural Landscape is a 55km² arid property of stone-walled terraces and fortified settlements in the Konso highlands. A registered UNESCO site, it constitutes a spectacular example of a living cultural tradition stretching back 21 generations (more than 400 years), adapted to its dry hostile environment. Konso people are known for their intricately terraced hillsides, finely woven fabrics and the carved totems with which they decorate the graves of deceased tribe members.  At Konso, visit the village of Machekie. On route you will pass a home of the Konso tribes kings, which is well worth visiting.

Accommodation: Kanta Lodge

Day 14: Arba Minch

Today after breakfast you will drive to Arba Minch. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel, and once you have have freshened up you will enjoy a relaxing  boat trip over Lake Chamo to view the hippos and crocodiles at a close range. This is a good place to watch masses of crocodiles on the shores. This place known as “Azo-Gebeya", meaning Crocodile Market, and offers one of Africa's most impressive displays of big crocs.

In the late afternoon, you will drive to visit the Dorze people at Chencha (about 35km away). The Dorze are famous for their huge beehive huts, which are among the most distinctive traditional structures to be seen anywhere in Africa. Every Dorze compound is surrounded by enset (false banana) and other crops. In addition to this some of the country's best-woven cotton comes from this village. Chencha and the Shama (traditional) cloth produced around Chencha is regarded to be the finest in Ethiopia. After soaking all this up, you will drive back to Arba Minch for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Haile Resort Arba Minch

Day 15: Addis Ababa

Once you have have checked out of the lodge and enjoyed an early lunch you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Addis (1 hour). On arrival in Addis you will be transferred to your hotel to check in.

This afternoon you will drive to Entoto Hills. Mt. Entoto is the highest peak in Addis Ababa, giving the chance to catch stunning views over the city and the surrounding area from the summit. It is the first settlement in Addis Ababa where Emperor Menelik II resided and built his palace in 1887; a unique place which offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Ethiopia’s distinct culture. The compound at the peak hosts the Entoto Mariam church, an Ethiopian artefact museum as well as Menelik II’s palace. As one drives up the hill there is an appreciable drop in temperature (so do remember to pack something warm to wear) and the air is filled with the scent of the Eucalyptus trees which line the road. Roadside stalls offer fresh Ethiopian coffee. 

If you have an interest in Ethiopian traditional clothes it may be possible, time permitting,  to stop at the Shero Meda Market, where there is a wide variety of beautiful fabrics, shawls, scarves, dresses, tops and jewelry. You will be spoilt for choice if you plan to do some gift shopping for family and friends. 

Return to the Sheraton to freshen up. Tonight you will enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at one of Addis Ababa’s wonderful cultural restaurants.

For dinner we recommend 2000 Habesha. Their Ethiopian buffet is excellent, and there is a cultural show with traditional songs & dance. You can also opt for Yod Abyssinia. Discuss with your guide which option you prefer.

Accommodation: Sheraton Addis Hotel www.sheratonaddishotel.com                        

Day 16: End of Itinerary

This morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to the Bole International Airport for your international departure flight out of Ethiopia.

End of your Ethiopia Exploration. 

Thank you for considering traveling with Africa Dynamics!

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